Pick Up Sticks and Knit!

So what's up with Connie?

2011-06-27T09:50:00.003-04:00

Well, nothing great.....my life is in a bit of a chaos at the moment..............my marriage is fine, my kids are fine, but there is just stuff that keeps distracting me to such an extent that I really need to take a break.....I don't want to get all Facebook-ish about it and plaster my business all over the internet so here's what's happening.

We have decided to sell our farm - we find ourselves with an empty nest except for Emma and now it's just too much to manage. We are picturing ourselves on a much smaller property with perhaps an oasis in the backyard with enough room for the dogs and us but not so big that we are forever working to pay for it, and forever working on it's upkeep. So for Pick Up Sticks that means I need to either find a new location for the Fall (or whenever the house sells) or be able to have it where we live depending on where we move. Because a country property can take such a long time to sell, we can't really look around for anything until it's been sold. So there's lots up in the air......lots! I will be closed this week and re open on July 6th. I am planning to update the website with all the remaining stock so that online shoppers can also take advantage of the moving sale.

So the new hours for the Summer are as follows:

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday Closed

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday OPEN 11AM-4PM

Everything in the store is 40% off because I have no desire to move it all......

The house isn't going to be listed until August and likely will take some time to sell since it's a farm so you'll have lots of time to shop.

Current Inventory

2011-06-08T20:15:00.005-04:00

Current Inventory

I've had a few website issues today so the best way to serve you is to list some of the missing inventory on here. Hopefully, it will help you!

Sweet Georgia Silk Crush Sock
Raspberry 1
Peashoot 1
Boysenberry 1
Deep Olive 1
Coastal 1
Ginger 1

Dream in Color Knitosophy Sock
Blossom 1
Discover 4
Butterfly 4
Laugh 8
Princess 8
Bold 2

Malabrigo Sock
Archangel 11
Velvet Grapes 9
Turner 3
Caribeno 7
Cordovan 8
Alaucil 2
Natural 2
Stonechat 7
Abril 9
Rayon Vert 10
Indiecita 4
Violeta Africana 4
Chocolate Amargo 2
Cote d'Azure

Rowan Kidsilk Haze
627 4
634 2
664 8
580 6
595 2
639 7
632 7
651 8
643 8
649 6
582 2
640 9
641 10
605 7
642 5
590 1

Spud & Chloe Outer 50% off
7207 13
7208 13
7201 24
7200 5
7213 1
7204 15
7203 5
7206 9
7209 15
7206 9
7214 1

Tanis Yellow Label DK 30% off
Lagoon 5
Stormy 4
Deep Sea 4
Cobalt 4
Royal Flush 9
Grape 2
Plum 2
Lilac 6
Sweetheart 2
Jewel 3
Orange Blossom 8
Lemongrass 5
Seabreeze 4
Peacock 4
Moss 4
Mallard 2
Amber 1
Olive 6
Velvet 1
Garnet 3
Sand 3
Shadow 1
Chestnut 4
Teal 5
Midnight 6
Spearmint 6
Blueberry 9

Tanis Green Label Aran
Poppy 2
Stormy 3
Deep Sea 5
Cobalt 11
Royal Flush 4
Grape 2
Plum 1
Sweetheart 1
Lemongrass 8
Seabreeze 8
Peacock 6
Mallard 2
Olive 2
Velvet 10
Shadow 1
Chestnut 5
Teal 5
Midnight 1
Spearmint 6
Blueberry 8
Buttercup 3
We Wear Red 7
Sunset 8
Tidal 6
Ultraviolet 2
Sweetheart 1

You can email what you would like and I will keep this inventory as up to date as possible. Shipping will be flat rate of
$7 for orders 0-$50
$9 for orders $50-$100
$10 for over $100
Calculations for shipping will be based on full retail value.

connie(at)pickupsticks(dot)ca

The Deals for Out with the Old.....

2011-06-08T10:09:00.008-04:00

The shop will be closed Friday, June 10, 2011 - I made a mistake on the newsletter - of course!

Spinning Fiber - 50% off (Sweet Georgia, Fleece Artist, Unwind, DyeHard)

Bulky Weight yarns - 50% off (Spud and Chloe, Dream in Color, Berocco Blackstone Tweed Chunky)

Spilly Jane Kits - 35% off

Tanis Fiber Arts Kits - 30% off

Dream Club Kits - 40% off

Mission Falls 1824 and 136 $2 per ball (limited)

Noro Silk Garden Sock 50% off

Yarns on Stage 55% off

Sweet Georgia Worsted - 50% off ( limited)
Sweet Georgia Merino Silk Aran - 50% off (limited)

MadTosh Vintage - 50% off (limited)

Tanis Fiber Arts Green Label Aran - 30% off
Tanis Fiber Arts Yellow Label DK - 30% off

Zen Yarn Garden Sanctuary - reg. $38/skein NOW $30 per skein + an extra 30% off

Sunday Knits Kits - 40% off

Dye Hard Silky Cashmerino - 30% off

MadTosh Pashmina - 30% off

Indigodragonfly Polworth - 40% off

Dream in Color Knitosophy Sock Yarns - 50% off

Rowan KidSilk Haze - 40% off

Kertzer On Your Toes Bamboo - 50% off (beige, black, brown, cream)

All pattern books and hardcovers 50% off

All pattern leaflets 50% off with the exception of Jared Flood, Meghan Jackson, Churchmouse Classics, Amy Swenson, Hannah Fettig

Today's Samples
To purchase samples, please email connie (at)pickupsticks (dot) ca. Shipping for samples is $6 for 1 piece, $10 for 2 or more pieces. First Come, First Serve! Payment can be made by Paypal or by Credit Card over the phone.

Clapotis - Fleece Artist Casbah - 3-4 skeins
$50 plus tax and shipping
SOLD

Honey Cowl - Madelinetosh DK - 'sprucey' blue color
$25 plus taxes and shipping

Maia Shawlette - Tosh Merino Light
$40 plus taxes and shipping

Damson Shawlette - Madtosh Sock in Rhubarb
$30 plus taxes and shipping
SOLD

It all starts today....and tomorrow!

2011-06-07T15:10:00.004-04:00

Summer's here, we're kicking off our fun, Easy Breezy Knitalong, and we've got exciting news up our sleeves!

But first, what's better than Malabrigo, Madelinetosh, Tanis Fiber Arts yarns and kits, Noro, Sweet Georgia, Spilly Jane Kits, Three Irish Girls, Juno Fiber Art, Viola, Waterloo Wools, Dyehard Fiber Arts and your other favorite yarns at Pick Up Sticks?

All of the above at 30% to 50% off!

It's summer madness here at Pick Up Sticks as we get ready to bring in a exciting fall lineup.

We are so excited about what's come in our mission to bring you the finest in exclusive hand dyed yarns (we've all sworn to secrecy here), that we've decided to hold an "Out with the Old, In with the New" summer sale.

The coming weeks and months will tell all and we'll reveal our exciting news! The first order's been placed, but we're not telling just yet! Suffice to say - it's all gotta go!

Enjoy the summer and take advantage of the sale to stock up on your favorites. And there's still time to join us for summer fun and friendship with our Easy Breezy Knitalong, too.

I can't wait to share more exciting Pick Up Sticks news with all my favorite customers...you!

Check here tomorrow for a list of the various yarns and their discounts! And every day here, there will be photos of some gorgeous samples for sale in the shop at terrific prices!

Dumpity Dump Dump Dump

2011-06-04T10:35:00.004-04:00

So I've been in the dumps a bit lately - could explain why I didn't bother until last night to figure out why I wasn't able to post - so so so much is going on personally that it's sometimes hard to focus but after a good talking to by my dear friend Clare - I'm feeling much better - I even got up this morning to post some long over due pictures, the printer is humming with the Breezy Cardigan patterns spitting out - the yarn is supposed to be here Monday - not sure what to do about the postal strike but maybe since I'm in such a better mood so will the postal workers be and the strike will be over.

So what's new here?
Well Linda dropped off the sample of the lastest installment of the Dream Club - a cute, cute vest done in lace weight. Doesn't look like much but it's very nice on - over a t-shirt or a tank.

Here's the yarn - Baby Laceweight Sour Pear.
Psst....like the color but not the vest? There is enough in stock for a Breezy Cardigan or two - for those who love this particular shade of green!

Next is Camille - another design by Meghan Jackson that didn't get my full attention and adoration until she came in wearing it. Both Jennie and I were all over her, touching it, asking what is this you've got on.
It could be because this was all I had ever seen of it -

which is it funny little shape - not a shape that I could figure out what to do with.

But then.....Meg showed up wearing it slightly askew with pretty pin on her shoulder and suddenly, Jennie and I were racing to the shelves to choose colors. This is what Jennie chose - Rhubarb in Silk Cashmerino by Dye Hard Fiber Arts. It's designed for one skein however, it's easily customizable to be bigger.

It's a dreary, rainy day here - just the perfect day to settle down with a new knitting project! And I think I will do just that!

Test test test

2011-06-03T15:47:00.002-04:00

test test test I've been having trouble blogging and just now read that I should be using Mozilla Firefox so let's see if I can publish.

Pick Up Sticks Easy Breezy Summer Knitalong!

2011-05-21T12:55:00.005-04:00

Join us for the Summer Knitalong of Hannah Fettig's Breezy Cardigan! See the Knitalong Tab at the top of the page for all the details.

Fun wow!

Who knew?

2011-05-08T09:21:00.001-04:00

That you could blog from your phone?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hope to See You at the Frolic!

2011-04-27T23:09:00.002-04:00

On Saturday morning, the marketplace doors will open at the DKC's Annual Knitter's Frolic and we'll be there! Will you be coming to visit us?

Come say "hi" to us, Sarah, Clare, and Meghan, (Connie will still be soaking in a few well-deserved rays of sunshine on vacation before heading home!) at booth 46.

We'll have shelves full of exclusive yarns and kits:

Juno Fibre Arts -- you've got to touch these yarns. More beautiful than you can imagine.
Three Irish Girls -- that's right, we're the only ones in Canada that have it, and we're willing to share!
Zen Yarn Garden -- if you haven't seen the new ZYG DK yarn yet, come see this beauty for your spring and summer sweater projects, beautiful scarves, and baby knits for that special little bundle.
Sweet Georgia -- a huge selection of your favourite Sweet Georgia yarns, including the new Cashluxe Fine. Amazing!
Dyehard Fibre Arts -- you'll love these locally dyed yarns for sock or shawl projects.
Spilly Jane Kits featuring Sunday Knits Yarns -- fun and quirky patterns in the most luxurious yarns.
Sunday Knits Kits -- if you like multicolour projects, you'll love these scarves.
Dream in Color Kits and yarns -- missed a "club" kit? We just might have the one you're looking for!
Shawl Kits -- new shawl kits with great patterns featuring all your favourite yarns, including Sweet Georgia, Dyehard, Juno...
Plus... blocking wires, ball winders, Harmony Wood Interchangeables, yarn swifts, and more.

I can't wait to see you there!

(psst... Meghan is behind this blog post and says "hi" from Connie!)

Hours for April

2011-04-14T15:31:00.002-04:00

Pick Up Sticks will be closed from April 15th to May 3rd with the following exceptions: Saturday, April 16th 10am-4pm Saturday, April 30th - Knitter's Frolic - Booth 46 Be sure to check out us out there - we have new yarn that has never been for sale in Canada before. It's going to be exciting!

Catch Up

2011-04-07T14:36:00.001-04:00

I've had pictures taken for ages of my finished socks and my next project but as usual time has gotten away from me.....I finished my toe up 2 at a time socks and truly, I am addicted to this method. It got a bit iffy when I was on the leg and felt as if I might never finish but when 2 complete socks came off the needles and straight onto my feet - I felt amazing! Not to mention, virtually no left overs! Yay! - 2 socks to wear - not just one!

Next on the needles is the Pueblo Stole from Sunday Knits. A beautiful scarf that utilizes the color palette that Carol has put together to perfection. This colorway is called Earth and Sky and hopefully will be done for the Frolic. But have no fear - all 5 colorways will be there along with samples of all of them - well, that is if I finish Earth and Sky so that would mean 4 samples for sure! I'm almost done the first half - so it is much bigger now than when I took the picture. The kits will be here tomorrow so if you just can't wait - then you can stop in and see them.

Oh and did you see Meghan's latest - her next Necklaces for Knitter's is ready to go - it's gorgeous!

And the winner is.....

2011-03-31T19:00:00.006-04:00

chosen by a random number generator - the winner of the Name That Yarn is Rooibos! Congratulations! Send me an email to claim your free skein! All of the colors are on Pick Up Sticks website. And now for the name....I have to admit that Roxanne and I chose a name that was my suggestion and once we had it in our minds we couldn't seem to move onto anything else. And so without further ado....the new yarn from Zen Yarn Garden, spun and dyed exclusively for Pick Up Sticks is to be called

Sanctuary

You can see all the colors by clicking on the name. I spent all day today loading them on the website. This yarn is so special - a blend of all my favorite fibers - merino/alpaca/cashmere/silk - unlike anything on the market!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Roxanne of Zen Yarn Garden for being such a willing partner in crime. You are so great to work with!

So one more bit of news regarding the Yarn Tasting on Saturday, April 2 - we're still on but in a much more informal way. The yarns will be on the table all wound into cakes for you to sit down and try. Want to try them all - go ahead! Want to try just one - that's fine too! People wanted to come but were unable to make it right at 10 am so I thought this was a better way to go - so now everyone can save 10% off the selected yarns. There will be a newsletter going out tomorrow morning first thing with all the details but this is a one day only introductory sale.

Yarns on the Menu

Juno Fibre Arts Alice Sock & Buffy Toughie

Zen Yarn Garden Sanctuary

Spilly Jane Kits

Sunday Knits Kits

Indigodragonfly Polworth Silk

Necklaces for Knitter's Kits

Dream Club Kits

Sock Report

2011-03-22T14:18:00.003-04:00

Saturday was our second toe up 2 at a time sock class - and I am happy to report that I still am enamored with the technique and my socks have heels. I love the method so much that I investigating different ways of doing it - different toes, different heels, different, different, different - so much so that Meghan and I are contemplating a Sock Camp for the summer - each method will be covered by approx. 3 lessons. For example, May could be short row toe and heel toe up 2 at a time sock, June could be increased gusset, short row heel toe up 2 at a time sock and July could be.......the possibilities are endless. Is this idea appealing? Email/comment to let me know. Each camp would be approx. $60 plus materials and would run for 3 evenings in the month.

Four boxes of yarn arrived....Sunday Knits Eden, Nirvana, Brigadoon and Angelic 20g have arrived! Yay! Plus more Spilly Jane kits!

One little bag of Juno arrived and I know there are 3 others floating around out there. Next to arrive should be the new Zen Yarn Garden at the end of the month. Stay tuned for the contest winner announcement.

April Event

2011-03-17T15:36:00.004-04:00

Ok Rayna - you've inspired me to get going.....

Here's what's coming up for April.

Saturday, April 2, 2011 - Yarn Tasting 10am-1pm - We will be tasting all the newly arrived yarns. 10% off on Tasting Yarns for participants. Zen Yarn Garden - new yarn, Juno Fibre Arts, Alice Sock & Buffy Toughie Sock, Sunday Knits - 4 different yarns! Sounds like fun, right? Email to reserve your spot, space is limited. connie(at)pickupsticks(dot)ca

Saturday, April 9 & 16th - Two At A Time Toe Up Socks 10am-noon. On Day 1 we tackle the cast on, increasing toe and getting going on the foot. Day 2 will have us working on the heel and progressing to the leg. This method is one that allows you to use up every bit of yarn! Once you try it, I'm sure you won't knit socks any other way. Please call or email to reserve your spot. 1-877-780-KNIT $20 plus materials 3.5mm 40 inch circular and 100g of worsted weight yarn (Materials must be purchased from Pick Up Sticks or class cost is $50)

Saturday, April 30th, 2011 - Closed for Knitter's Frolic - come and see us at Booth 46.

Late to the Party....

2011-03-16T14:12:00.003-04:00

I have been extremely resistant to the Magic Loop method of knitting - particularly when it is applied to socks. I took a class years ago with Meghan and complained the whole way through - I hate this way, who would want to do this by choice, all those wrap and turns for short row heels and toes - puh-lease a complete waste of time. (Meghan says I'm a high maintenance student but I don't really get that, do you?)nSo when Saturday's Toe Up Socks Two At A Time on One Circular began I was really just thinking that it was a crazy class and really, what was wrong with socks on dpns, one at a time. HOWEVER, after a very stressful week with a serious health scare with my dad I thought - well, I just feel like knitting today so I will give this stupid method a try. The result......I love it....as you can see.............the varigated ones were my first and since I was ready for the heel class early I cast on a second pair. Who knew?

Sarah finished her second Four Seasons Hat - Emma was not happy to be my model - she's not nearly as miserable as she looks.

New mags arrived today - Interweave has a lot of special issues coming out this year! Knitting Traditions is awesome - full of historical knitting with some amazing lace patterns. The new Spin Off is here too - come on in and get yours!

What to do...What to do.....

2011-03-08T11:47:00.005-05:00

with Indigodragonfly Polworth Silk.

Just a quick search on Ravelry turned up these beauties

Marschalin by Ilga Leja (can be purchased on Rav)

Stockholm Scarf by Knitted Bliss (free on Rav)

Boneyard Shawl by Stephen West (free on Rav)

Willoughby by Jared (my boyfriend) Flood (purchased on Rav or available in store as part of Made in Brooklyn pattern book)

What am I working on? Well Meghan released a new pattern and I just love it!

Buttercup using Dream in Color March Dream Club Yarn - Irish Sprout.

And who could resist this? Rocky - remember him? (now 85lbs) and Oreo the cat - and yes, they are both comfy on the leather couch in the family room. Actually - that's kind of Rocky's spot :)

Another FO

2011-03-06T12:34:00.004-05:00

I finally convinced Emma to take off her riding helmet and model my latest FO. It's the Summer version of the Four Season Hat by Tanis Fiber Arts. It was a fun knit and I just love the way the colors work together.

I just wound up my next project - taking a short break from Fair Isle to do Meghan's new pattern - Buttercup. She came in wearing it yesterday and I just love it! I'm not doing yellow though - I've been dying to us the new Dream Club yarn that came in so my Buttercup will be a real Irish green!

The next Fair Isle on tap is Sea Mineral mittens - Spilly Jane, of course! Oh and my Florida drive knit will be Lincoln Park.

Did you see Roxanne's blog today? It's been added on the sidebar - A Life of Colour- she put up a preview of the new yarn that is being exclusively released through Pick Up Sticks - you can still enter the Name that Yarn contest - but we are looking for a name for the yarn not the colourway - which by the way is outstanding! Yay!

There's another addition to my Blog list - Meghan Jackson Knits - she's a prolific designer but not much of a blogger - perhaps we can shame her into it - that is between all her designs, taking care of her 3 kids under 3 and working at Pick Up Sticks!

Uh....no

2011-03-03T16:29:00.002-05:00

this is Polworth Silk from Indigo Dragonfly.

massive 750yd skeins of dk $60!

Fun wow!

Surprise

2011-03-03T13:33:00.003-05:00

Is there anything to say, when yarn is as beautiful as this? Except maybe...it's here, you really should come by and give it a squeeze.

Pictures as Promised!

2011-02-28T17:05:00.003-05:00

First up are my Northman Mittens - I used Mission Falls 136 in Natural and Red - I was just dying to knit red and white mittens and these did not disappoint! I actually lined them with 100% Cashmere fingering that I had in my stash. They are super warm!

And the next - the first of many I'm sure Spilly Jane Isidora in Sunday Knits yarn. I had lots of yarn left from the kit - I'm almost positive I might have enough for a second pair.

Next ones up are Sea Minerals and also a Tanis Four Seasons Hat - I'm really into colorwork these day - I find it pretty simple if the chart is done!

The website is working - if some of you are still getting the 'forbidden' message it's because your ISP hasn't refreshed the cache or something like that. It happened to me yesterday - using my Rogers Stick I could access the site, but using our home provider it took quite a bit longer. And please....if you notice any errors or anything missing please let me know - it's a work in progress and I was really pushing last week and over the weekend to get something up!

All together now....

2011-02-27T19:02:00.002-05:00

Hurray! Pickupsticks.ca is back! Not all the way back but live and working so you can order the new stuff of which there's quite a bit so far and the sale stuff!

All the Spilly Jane's are up and boy oh! boy am I a fan of the patterns and the yarn! You will be too! Sunday Knits is a dream to work with - have a look here and what we've got!

Tanis' Four Seasons Hat Kits arrived - Sarah is busying working on a sample. I've got one all picked out to make too!

One of the new Indie Dyers is expected this week - my new fiber from Zen Yarn Garden has arrived and is scheduled to arrive here around the end of March or so.

I'll post some pics tomorrow of Isidora mittens - sooooo, soooo pretty!

It's Oscar time!

Fun Stuff and a Contest

2011-02-15T11:55:00.003-05:00

All of the Knit Picks stuff arrived today and I must say I've very excited to have it in the shop. I made an error on my previous post - the Yarn Swifts actually retail for $55.49 and the Ball Winders for $22.49 - both together are now about the same price of either the ball winder or swifts that I used to carry. Also, in the box were sets of blocking wires - lots of them for just $22.49 plus pins - oh and the Harmony Wood Interchangeables - gorgeous!

So now for the contest - the lovely Roxanne from Zen Yarn Garden is having a yarn spun especially for Pick Up Sticks - it will be a sport weight available in 12 exclusive colorways. So far the yarn is nameless so we've decided to turn that over to all of you. The winner of the contest will receive a free skein of the new yarn in the color of their choice. So here's the details:

Yarn Content: 40% Superwash Merino, 30% Alpaca, 20% Cashmere, 10% Silk

100g=215yds

So put your thinking caps on ......certainly you are all more ingenious then we've proven to be! Please leave a comment - winner will be decided by Roxanne!

Hey - one more thing - did you see the new pattern that Meghan Jackson put up for free on Ravelry - it's awesome - uses one skein of anything - yup -anything!

Gamma Ray

So pretty! Such a great idea!

Colorwork

2011-02-11T10:55:00.003-05:00

I have decided that I love colorwork - I've always had a thing for it - but now it's for sure. Meet Isidora from Spilly Jane with yarn provided by Sunday Knits. Great pattern - really, really great pattern - like how the chart is divided up by needle so you know quickly if you've made a mistake! And the yarn....well, aaaaamazing! Three different blends all the same weight so much fun - you can't really see it in the photo but the light flowers are glowing with angora!Here's the palm of the mitten - different pattern, same colors so it kept things interesting! And the thumb - it's plain - how great is that? - no fiddling with lots of colors. That SpillyJane is a smart cookie - and guess what lots and lots of these kits will be at Pick Up Sticks in about 2 weeks with classes to help you get started on your very own SpillyJane's.

This is another mitt in my bag - Northman mitts - I'm knitting with Mission Falls 136 Superwash Merino - these are a late Xmas (ok, very late!) gift for my friend, Martha - very similar to Fiddlehead in that they are also lined. I'm working on finishing this one now and then going back to finish the other Isidora.

By Special Request

2011-02-04T13:55:00.002-05:00

Lo and behold as I was re-organizing shelves I found a lonely skein of Poppy in Tanis Green Label - combine that will Buttercup and Orange Blossom and voila! I've got the kit that Rayna was asking for. This is a one off because there's no more poppy.

Photo is much more washed out than the actual colors.

Guess What's On the Way to....

2011-02-04T11:36:00.004-05:00

Pick Up Sticks?
Ball Winders $22.49

Set of Harmony Wood DPNs $42.49

Swift $72.49

Harmony Wood Interchangeable Set

$94.49

There's also the Nickel Plated Interchangeable Set coming as well. Knit Picks offers a program for stores to buy the needles and tools for our customers - so let me worry about the duty and exchange - they should be here by the end of next week so pop in and have a look! I'm currently knitting with the Harmony Wood DPNs and I love 'em!

In the comments yesterday, Rayna asked when I would have the kits ready for the Grammy Hat and Mitten Kits and the answer is today - I'm doing them in 4 colors.

Original: Teal, Mallard, Spearmint, Buttercup

Girls : Grape. Lilac, Sweetheart,

Boys: Midnight, Chestnut, Garnet, Amber

Neutral: Sand, Shadow, Stormy, Olive

Couldn't get the red, orange, yellow to work :)

Thanks to Tanis for permission to make the kits and distribute the patterns!

Giddy Up Gidget!

2011-02-03T11:49:00.002-05:00

I've been hard at work on a project for Emma - a horse sweater! - one of the riders at the barn showed up one day with this amazing Cowichan sweater that she got for Christmas from Aritzia - I searched high and low for it for Emma with no success and truthfully, was not all the excited about the $85 price tag that went along with the store bought one. So began my search for a horse sweater - and finally I decided to follow Meghan's example and buy a kit. I switched the reindeers to horses, the other designs to horse shoes, added her name on the back, lengthened it alot and now I'm proud to say - it's almost done - just drying and then buttons! The best part is Emma loves it!

New yarns have been pouring in here for me to check out - here's the pile of yes yarns - yarns that will be coming to Pick Up Sticks. Most of the new yarns we hope to debut at the Knitter's Frolic in Toronto on April 30th - I can't be there this year because I will be on my way back from Florida but the magnificent Meghan and the super Sarah along with some others will be manning the booth!

Oh and this little pile of gorgeousness - I'm casting on this afternoon. New kits coming to us soon! Can't tell because it's all part of the new plans!

I begin setting up a new refreshed website next week too! I'm excited about that - we will still be live on line until the actual day of the big switch. Lots of work to do - fun, fun, fun!

It's Over with Jared

2011-01-26T10:43:00.004-05:00

As you can see I finished Umaro on the weekend and now as a reward think I should cuddle up under it and have a nap! I'm so proud of this - there's great joy in finishing something that you just really, really wanted. My husband asked me what I was going to do with it and I explained, in a very patient way, that most times knitting is not about what I am going to do with it, or if I even need it - it's about the knitting - creating something so gorgeous that it takes your breath away.

There's another Jared FO in the shop - Ptarmigan Cowl made from one skein of Yarn Candy, Sweet Fiber Silk Cashmere held double. So soft and comfy to wear!

And yes, I know the website isn't working - can we just not talk about it? I've got 3 calls in to 3 different people - maybe someone will fix it.

Take A Deep Breath

2011-01-20T10:18:00.002-05:00

I actually have no idea where to start - it's been a horrendous week or two -not actually sure how much time has passed - first Cannon had to be put down, took a few days to recover from that - then Emma got really, really sick with the flu, cold whatever it is that's going around. Then I got it and it put me to bed for 4 days - so sick, that I had a tiny note on the shop door telling people I was closed due to illness - I could not move. Then while I was lying around feeling sorry for myself I realized my website was no longer. Just a happy message from my hosting company saying they were working on it and that the problem had nothing to do with me - except a problem like that has everything to do with me. I tried to be patient and was finally told they weren't even sure if it could be resurrected from it's grave - however, it is back after much phoning, emailing, crying etc. It's not quite working perfectly but I'm on it and expect all to be well by the end of the day. I've switched to a super duper server so hopefully the problems are a thing of the past. And now that I am just raising my head from the bed - my husband informs me that he's now sick. And yes, I know, much, much sicker than I ever was.

Despite all this there has been good stuff going on behind the scenes - as I indicated in a previous newsletter - Pick Up Sticks is in for a shake up. I have decided, after sending out a survey to over 1000 customers and lots of careful thought to become an even more specialized shop than I already am. Over the course of the next few months all of the commercially produced yarns - big name companies, not Indie Dyers, are going to be put on sale for 20% off until they are gone and slowly new and exciting hand dyed yarns from around the world will replace their spots on our shelves. I'm looking at all weights, all fibres and all hand dyed or hand painted. It's what I love best so why not offer you even more of what we all love! Samples have been pouring in and I've found some good ones for sure! I will also be expanding the hand dyed yarns I already carry to include more of their weights and fibers - a big change like this will take time but one thing for sure is once the new yarns start arriving there will always be something new and exciting here to see. There will be a newsletter going out tomorrow to announce all the items that are on sale with the actual sale starting on Saturday. 2011 is going to be a fantastic year for Pick Up Sticks - hang on knitters!

A Really Yucky Day

2011-01-10T20:16:00.004-05:00

This morning I woke up to the phone ringing - it was Laura telling me that Cannon was colicking and it was very serious. We tried hard all day - the vet was here numerous times, Emma gave him natural remedies every 10 minutes for 2 hours. Finally at 5:00 pm, the decision was made to let him go. RIP Cannonball Fire - you were an awesome horse and we'll miss you!

Not Better But Equal

2010-12-31T13:43:00.002-05:00

This post equals the number of 2009 posts and although, I could post twice today - that seems like cheating. Seems I've developed a Repetitive Stress Injury in my right thumb joint which makes knitting and pretty much anything painful.....the knitting marathon for those sweaters for Liam and Quinn have done me in. I'm supposed to rest it and then in the New Year I can get a brace or I can get laser treatment but I do not have to stop knitting. Thank goodness! This morning I was moping around thinking I can't knit anymore, that means I have to sell my business and what will I do with myself, blah, blah, blah - yup, I can be slightly dramatic when the need arises.

Last night I was working away on Umaro - I know, I'm not supposed to be knitting but really - ignore Jared - I don't think so....... Emma comes in the family room with a plate of pomegranate seeds. She tipped the plate slightly and guess what? Yup brilliant pomegranate juice all over me and Jared - I mean Umaro :0 She was really, really sorry and a quick rinse in cold water got the juice off the blanket and off the ball of yarn I was knitting with - lucky for her! And now I have to wait until everything is dry to knit anymore....so my thumb will get some rest.

Do you all have plans for New Year's Eve? Not us really, my dad is coming over for appetizers and dinner - and then it's probably Greg, me and Emma with Dick Clark's Rockin Eve. Happy New Year to all of you - may 2011 be happy, healthy and prosperous for everyone!

This post brought to by the pony.....

2010-12-30T22:22:00.002-05:00

We love Gidget as I'm sure you've all gathered by now - Emma's show season starts in February so this was our first schooling to get ready for the new season. A schooling is where they take the ponies and horses off property to another barn/arena to have lessons. The change of environment is good for everyone - gets the riders used to the reactions of the ponies and gets the ponies used to being away from home. The jumps are fancier and bigger so it's good experience for everyone.

Here she is all dressed up in her fancy clothes - Emma's coach is a very traditional British riding coach and so the ponies and the riders are to be dressed in sedate colors. Navy wraps and Baker Sheets are the standard dress for shows and schoolings - I have to say, all the ponies look pretty amazing dressed in similiar colors.
The trailer couldn't come into the driveway because the day before it got stuck all over the place so the girls walked their ponies to the property entrance to get loaded - it was a beautiful day and a beautiful picture.

And the sepia - just because I figured out that setting on the camera while watching.
To Creative Hands - Emma's hat from the last post was bought at the Royal Winter Fair - cute eh?

Knitting Complete

2010-12-28T14:38:00.003-05:00

Here is Quinn's Sweater - same as Liam's but Tanis Green Label. I'm very happy to report that she loved it - she put it on right away and didn't take it off. She loved the puppy buttons - I caught a glimpse of Liam outside today and he was wearing his sweater too. So all is good in the knitting department except for my hands which have been aching since Christmas day - I've been trying not to knit too much but Jared has been (ok so when I say Jared, I mean Umaro)looking longingly at me practically begging for attention. I cast on a pair of socks for Greg in Zen Yarn Garden Serenity 20 - so nice and soft but they aren't far along - truly I feel guilty knitting them because Jared gets so jealous - :).

A wonderful Christmas was had by all, everyone was very happy with their gifts - I ordered myself a Kindle 3G from Amazon - it won't be here until the end of January so I'm very anxious!

Emma got this cute hat from her big sister - she's been wearing it everywhere. My mini vacation starts tomorrow (store is closed until Tuesday, January 4th)and I am really looking forward to it.

There's still a few blog posts due to catch up and surpass last year so you haven't heard the last of me yet.

Busy Knittin'

2010-12-22T11:59:00.003-05:00

I'm in the home stretch - Quinn's sweater just needs the hood finished and the sleeves. I'm knitting it out of Tanis Green Label in Sweetheart and it's sooooo nice. Hope the little bum likes it - she's been known to say she wants something and then won't have anything to do with it when it comes to putting it on. Liam's sweater is finished - Mission Falls 1824 Wool was the choice for his. He picked out tool buttons and I think they look really cute! Knitting Pure and Simple pattern Children's Neckdown Cardigan #981 was the pattern I used for both.

The Lovely Linda brought by 2 finished projects out of Rowan Kidsilk Haze - both Churchmouse Classic Patterns.

The first is the Two Way Ruffled Scarf which is actually a pattern for 2 scarves than can be worn seperately or together as pictured. Each scarf takes one skein of Kidsilk Haze.

The next is the Mohair Bias Loop which used two skeins of Kildsilk Haze as well. This is knit on the bias and the ends are grafted together. It's so light and can be worn doubled as a cowl or around your shoulders as a wrap. I love it!

The new Vogue came in today - Winter 2010/11 - I think it's time for tea and a browse through it to see what's in there to be knit.

I must admit I'm really looking forward to finishing up the Christmas knitting because then I can resume my affair with Jared...........oops I mean Umaro!

Goals

2010-12-14T10:47:00.003-05:00

Way back at the beginning of the year I said I had some goals - I can only remember 2 and am too lazy to go back and find out for sure. One was to quit smoking which has happened - I actually passed the 11 month mark without even noticing it. Usually I'm right on top of that so maybe it's getting easier. Well, it most definitely is - there are still times when the urge is there and sometimes really strong but for the most part I think about it less and less. It is, without a doubt, the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and has probably used up all my willpower reserves but it's worth it. I will see my 50th birthday as a non smoker who has cut her risk of heart disease by 50%. No small feat since my mother passed away at 62 from heart disease and I smoked for 30 plus years!

I also remember saying I wanted to blog more often - well, that's been kind of dismal, even I will admit. I have to blog at least 5 more times before the end of the year to beat 2009 by 1 so that's my plan. Wouldn't it be nice to blog everyday? Or maybe every other day?

On the knitting front, I am, of course, inspired to knit way too many projects before Christmas. I'm working on sweaters for Liam and Quinn -both want sweaters with hoods and buttons. I've got gorgeous mitts picked up for my aunt but I'm thinking I might switch them to my best friend because she happened to mention she wanted thrum mittens. These aren't thrum - they are to be found here - I don't know I'm just dying to knit red and white mitts - must be the season!

New FO

2010-12-09T11:48:00.005-05:00

I whipped off a cowl for the owner of the barn where Emma rides. It's a version of the pattern that appears in Winter2010/11 Knit Simple. There's actually a couple of cowls in there that I'd love to make. This one is one strand of Mission Falls 136 Superwash Merino and 2 strands of Rowan Kidsilk Haze. It called for ribbon instead of a loop but I'm on a time crunch and loved the look of just the loop.

Sarah was kind enough to model it for me - I know she's going to hate that I posted this picture because her eyes are closed. I'm now onto a pair of Thrum mittens that need to be finished for Saturday as well. They are for Emma's riding coach who spends hours and hours in a freezing arena working with the girls and their ponies. Then it's a sweater for my dad and I'd just love to knit those fish hats for my grandchildren - it never fails the closer to Christmas it gets the more inspired I am to knit for people. Why couldn't I just come up with these ideas a few months ago?

Don't forget Christmas Open House this Saturday from 10am-4pm - everything but spinning wheels is 25% off!

Some Reporting to do....

2010-12-02T11:33:00.003-05:00

I have a new crush....his name is Jared and he designs the most amazing patterns ever! This was posted on his blog a while back and the pattern was just recently released. I'm in love! I even ordered the yarn in to make it exactly like Jared's - ok, well, that and I tried it out of something else but wasn't getting the look....and the 'look' was what inspired me. There's even enough for 3 more blankets in stock in case you're interested!

December's edition of the Dream Club arrived yesterday and it's a yummy blend of blues and pinks called Candy Floss! The sock pattern is called Lake Effect - really nice pattern!

I finished my Fifth Avenue Cowl - 2 skeins of Tanis Fiber Arts Green Label in Shadow did the trick!

Our Holiday Open House is Saturday, December 11, 2010 so mark your calendars for a day of yummy treats, hot cider, specials and door prizes! From 10am-4pm.

Recipe Requests

2010-11-26T11:06:00.003-05:00

I've had a few requests for the salmon recipe so here it is:

Salmon & Mushroom Rice Savoury Pastry Roll

Prep Time: 30mins

Cook Time: 55-60mins

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp each chopped fresh dill and Italian parsley

1 tsp grated lemon rind

1 clove garlic minced (I used about 3)

1/4 tsp each salt and pepper

1 piece centre cut fresh Atlantic salmon fillet, skin removed (about 1.5 pds)

Rice Filling:

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 onion chopped

1 pkg (227g)Cremini mushrooms sliced

2 cloves garlic minced

3/4 cup long grain rice

1.25 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup 10% half and half cream

2 tbsp each chopped fresh dill and Italian parsley

1 pkg (500g) frozen puff pastry

In a small bowl, combine oil, dill, parsley, lemon rind, garlic, salt and pepper. Spread mixture on both sides of salmon. Cover salmon in saran wrap and refrigerate.

Rice Filling: In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium high heat and cook onion, mushrooms and garlic for about 8 minutes or until no liquid from mushrooms remains. Add rice, broth and cream; bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low for 15 minutes or until no liquid remains. Stir in dill and parsley; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Let cool completely.

Roll out the puff pastry to a 17 by 13 inch rectangle. Spread rice mixture along centre of pastry leaving about 4 inches of pastry on the long sides and 2 inches on short sides. Place refrigerated salmon on top (remove saran). Fold over short ends of pastry and then longer sides to cover and pinch seam. Place seam down on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake in 425 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and puffed slightly.

Makes 8 servings....enjoy!

Cigarette Anyone?

2010-11-24T12:16:00.008-05:00

Aha! Got ya - bet you thought I'd started smoking again - nope! 11 mos coming up! But I do have a photo of the best men's sweater I have ever seen - Linda dropped it off yesterday and my dad stopped in offering to buy it. It's Smokin by Jared Flood - just realized who the designer was, I should have known because it's so great!

Yarn: Blackstone Tweed Chunky in 6607 - a deep gorgeous charcoal grey that didn't photograph as well as it could have.

Linda also dropped off the Karen Shawl from Amy Swenson - don't you just love the scallopy detail at the top of the shawl. This took less than one skein of Dream in Color Everlasting in Tidewater. Feels wonderful knit up and the colors - well, you should just come by and see for yourself!

And I've been cooking - Longo's (my fav place to grocery shop) has come out with it's holiday magazine of recipes and it's just loaded with things I had to try. First up was salmon, mushrooms and rice in puff pastry. Yum! Yum! I've made it twice now and it's going to be a family dinner regular because it's so delicious and so easy! I've also made seafood pasta and an artichoke and mushroom casserole.....seriously, if you are near a Longo's go get the magazine. Tonight is sauteed scallops with spinach and rice. I KNOW....I sound like I might know what I'm doing.......

And I'm knitting...madly on the Fifth Avenue Infinity Scarf! Pictures tomorrow!

To The Royal We Will Go

2010-11-04T21:23:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow we're off to the Royal Winter Fair first thing - four girls and their ponies made it to the Royal. It's quite a big deal so we are taking Emma and Celine to watch their friends compete in the big leagues.

Megan and Melvin the pony are going to the Royal - they are on the right. It's Melvin's first season showing and he got to the Royal.

Emma and Gidget are on the left and Celine is in the middle with her new pony, Titan.

Could it be possible the Gidget and Emma will get to the Royal next year? I'd probably just pee my pants I'd be so excited. Gidgey needs a haircut....I just love this pony - she's so cute!

Now I'm All Messed Up

2010-11-02T16:46:00.006-04:00

I thought I had things all figured out - at least in terms of my knitting - I was finishing the last clue of my Mystery Socks (both socks complete in Dye Hard Serendipitous Sock - yay me!), working away on the Effortless Cardigan and planning to do that pinwheel sweater out of Tanis (here's the colorway I want) BUT then I got to looking at the new Dream in Color Everlasting Sock Yarn - the colors are fantastic - truly so unique. There should be a shawl out of this - or maybe I could just open up the skeins and drape a bunch of them around my neck and call it a new trend? And if that's not enough to confuse me....then more arrives.

Dream in Color November Yarn arrives and it's like the colorway was designed specifically for me....

Oh right, and then Tanis blogged about this today - now if that is not enough to make you want to scream with joy at the very thought of knitting it then I don't know what it is.

And the very icing on the cake - you all know how much I love Through the Loops Mystery Socks while cruising around yesterday had me finding one from 2008 - I've 09 and I just finished 10 - don't you think I should have 08 too?

And completely on a random note - here's why we were very proud parents this weekend. It was the banquet for Emma's riding - she finished in second place in the Central East Division. Here she is with her dad and his parents.

Emma and her riding coach.

My kids and grandkids!

Drop Your Needles

2010-10-28T11:08:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I was cruising around Ravelry and tripped across this.... which then led to finding the pattern, printing a few copies and then playing with Tanis yarn all morning. Seriously, I just wanted to drop all the projects I was working on and cast on. Imagine my joy when I saw the pattern comes in adult sizes! Here's the results of my efforts:

Choice #1 Blue

Lilac

Grape

Plum

Blueberry

Cobalt

Midnight

Choice #2 Red Sand

Amber

Sunset

Poppy

Garnet

Velvet

Choice #3 Green

Moss (Colorway #1)

Moss (Colorway #2)

Stormy

Olive

Teal

Midnight

There were more choices but one of these is the one I love best! I still haven`t cast on but it`s all laid out over the table with more choices that I put together today. I`m obsessed with it - absolutely obsessed.

Quite the storm we had last night - no power so knit night got cut short. Despite our best efforts, knitting by candlelight doesn`t really work!

For Sale

2010-10-27T16:19:00.004-04:00

A client of mine wants to sell her Lendrum Double Treadle spinning wheel - it's been used less than 6 times and is in perfect condition. It comes with a regular flyer, 4 bobbins and a lazy kate. Regular price is $533 - but she will take $433 Cash. First email gets it! Pick up and cash only.
connie (at) pickupsticks (dot) com

Details finalized.....

2010-10-20T14:24:00.003-04:00

The November Class schedule has been finalized and re-worked a bit so I could fit the yarn tasting in. You can find the new schedule here and the registration for the yarn tasting here.

I've got the shop all put back together and have done some re-organizing - now the couch is facing in the right direction so knitters can sit on it and be a part of things on Knit Night. Surprisingly it feels very spacious....you'll have to come and check it out.

Madelinetosh has shipped more Tosh Sock and it's in the mail as I type this - hopefully, it will be here by the end of the week and all of the new Dream in Color Everlasting has also shipped and should be here by Friday late in the day.....the missing Shi Bui from Yarns on Stage is supposed to be delivered tonight....

Now...if I could just find a place to put it all!

Door Prize Winners

2010-10-19T19:59:00.003-04:00

So sorry to be so long posting this but Saturday was exhausting - the shop was full of knitters and we had tons of fun! Here are the winners of the door prizes:

Baby Hoodie Sweater Kit - Uylond Lynch

Set of Pom Pom Makers - Kathleen Holmes

Noro Silk Garden Sock (3skeins) - Pat R

Noro Silk Garden Sock (3skeins) - Roselle Purcell

Dream In Color Knitosophy (3skeins) - Lynn Bee

Connie Made a Tea Cozy (Noro Silk Garden & Mission Falls) - Barb Kerr

Syndey the Sheep - drum roll please - Shelley Oliver

Congratulations to all the winners.

Next event at Pick Up Sticks will be a Yarn Tasting on Saturday, November 13 from 11am til it's over! There will be a 10% discount on that day on the 6 yarns that are selected to be tried. Fun, right? Can't wait!

When It Rains, It Pours

2010-10-07T11:04:00.003-04:00

Have you ever walked into a bookstore, desperate to find a book that will grab your attention and keep you reading to the very last page? Those are likely the days that you pick up 1000 books and nothing grabs your fancy! Knitting is alot like that - there are some days that I can't think what to knit, what to cast on, what to continue and then there are other days that I find there is so much that I want to knit or do that is fiber related that I don't know where to start. Combine this with the fact, that I have this crazy pact with myself that I will not cast on lots of projects - just 2 at the most - currently, I have 2 - a pair of socks for Greg and Woman's Energy. I'm hurrying through the socks to be able to focus completely on Woman's Energy BUT there are many, many other projects that are distracting me. And when I say many, I mean many so today I will just tell you about the shawls and a shrug - perhaps I can tempt you to start some of these projects so that I can at least see them in progress and try to satisfy my curiousity about what they will be like - sometimes that's all it takes, right? - just a few rows to see if you can manage that particular pattern and then it's on to something else.

1. Amalia Shawl - this is a really interesting shawl because you knit the lace border first and then pick up stitches to finish the body. Not to mention that's it gorgeous and that the designer is Canadian! (Yarn: Tanis Mulberry Silk)

2. Calsada Shawl - again lace first, then the body. Same designer - YAY! (Yarn: Waterloo Wools Kirkland Laceweight)

3. Celaeno - one of Romi's 7 Small Shawls booklet which has got to be the deal of the century. $20 for all 7 Shawls released over the course of 2010 plus a bonus pair of fingerless gloves to match Maia which I have knit and love, love, love! (Yarn: Malabrigo Sock)

4. Pogona - I'm a fan of Westknits and just love this shawl, love the shape, love the way it looks, love that it looks relatively simple. Stephen is another one who has published a small booklet of his patterns - you can get 8 of them for $20.00 - all totally knitworthy! It's a e-book so talk about instant gratification! (Yarn: Tanis Yellow Label DK)

5. Vaya Shrug - the only shrug on my list but I am dying to knit with it with the Schaefer Anne it calls for and wear it all over the place. Laura Nelkin designed this as she has alot of patterns for Schaeffer - there's tons of her work on my list but this is my first choice for today! (Yarn: Schaeffer Anne)

The hottest gift knit so far is the Ruffled Scarf from Churchmouse Classics - we have a sample done up in Schaeffer Nichole but anything at all would be great! Bigger gauge just means a bigger scarf and that is never a bad thing. We have all the new Churchmouse Patterns including all the new baby ones!

Ahhhhhhhh!

2010-10-06T12:42:00.007-04:00

So no email, no website, I feel as if I'm on a deserted island! It's all starting to work again - I got 180 emails this morning but nothing current - not sure where in cyber space it all is but somehow apparently, it is supposed to make it's way to my inbox! Website front page is up but nothing else appears to be working - oh well - patience is a virtue they say! Hopefully by the end of the day today everything should be back to normal. I called my webguys and told them this morning that it still wasn't working and I guess I sounded a little distressed about the whole thing - he said they are freaking out enough there for everyone - I said, I'm not freaking out, I'm just calling to tell you that things aren't working in case you think they are. Sooooooo he's supposed to call me back .........in the meantime, there's new samples in the shop.

Here's Mom and Daughter Tea Leaves Cardigans from Madelinetosh. This is actually a very flattering sweater - destined to mine once I'm done with the sample. There's still lots of Tosh Vintage available to make these!

Then we have the Hay Cardigan which is new on the Madelinetosh website made out of Tosh Merino Light - again another really versatile, classic, easy to wear cardigan!

And finally Welted Fingerless Gloves - pattern is a Churchmouse Classic and the yarn is Gourmet Cashmere. The photo shows the yarn remaining after we knit one pair with a single strand - there is 26g left. The gloves took 24g soooooo I think if I were to do this again, I would knit them double. Yum! Yum! Cashmere!

And hey! Congratulations to Clare L. who won the Yarns On Stage contest! Her very own Sydney will be on the way to her shortly! Speaking of Sydney - the one Pick Up Sticks won which will be offered for a door prize has been arrested by customs and so his arrival is delayed! Should be here tomorrow - but I guess it depends on how well he behaves with the Canada Customs officials!

It's October Already

2010-10-01T13:34:00.004-04:00

Wow - where does the time go? Good start on the month by blogging first thing though, don't ya think?

I'm still working away on Woman's Energy but had a brief detour this week to get this scarf off the needles.

It's the perfect Man Scarf I think and the yarn shows the stitch definition beautifully.

Pattern: Shifting Sands Scarf

Yarn: Dye Hard Fiber Arts Silky Cashmere

Talking Tree

Yardage: 1 skein 356 yards

The color is this really, really gorgeous green that does not take to being photographed. It's really a stunning color for a man or a woman. Guess you'll just have to come by to have a look! And while you're at it..... you might want to take a peek at the new Dream In Color October Club selection. It's a gorgeous cashmere blend sock yarn that will just have your fingers twitching to cast on something - it comes with a cute fingerless glove pattern for free BUT if it were up to me, I would be using it for this! I participated in this last time and had a fun, fab time! Of course, there are other yarn options....Tanis Purple Label Cashmere Sock or just like the Man Scarf - Dye Hard Fiber Arts Silky Cashmerino.......just sayin!

As promised.....

2010-09-25T10:36:00.005-04:00

Woman's Energy Day 3 - this shot was on a 32 inch circular - I put it on a styrofoam head I have - kind of like a sloppy beret at this point.

The yarn is lovely to work with - Viola Fancy Lace, colorway Smudge.

Woman's Energy Day 4

Here's a close up I took this morning - now on a 40 inch circular. I compressed this photo so when you click on it you should be able to see the fibres that are starting to bloom from the cashmere.....so soft!

I think I'm going to spin today after a few rounds of Woman's Energy - it's the perfect day - cool and bright!

Husband With A Black Eye

2010-09-24T12:41:00.004-04:00

Yup - a black eye! Happened on Monday when this pony decided to go AWOL and leave the barn. Greg tried to stop him and ran face first into the chain that is supposed to keep wayward horses in the barn. To compound the situation, he also had the cold that I was recovering from. This photo really doesn't show the worst of it - he was a bloody mess on Tuesday morning.

The pony pics were taken before all the ruckus - don't the girls look cute with their ponies. Emma and Gidget are developing a nice relationship - she's such a good little pony and Emma just loves her.
This jump surprised both Emma and Gidget - Emma didn't realize how high and wide it was and neither did Gidget - but they made it!
Another nice jump - Emma's going to have a long winter - she wants to get this pony to the Royal Winter Fair next year which will mean lots of practice and lots of horse shows starting in early Spring.

Started my Woman's Energy Knit A Long in Viola Fancy Lace - I'm at about 30 sts between markers - (there's 8 markers) so far so good, it's really very simple. The only issue I had was the circular cast on with just 9 stitches but once I got past that it was fine. The chart I am on will get me to over 600 stitches so I have a ways to go but truly it's much easier than it looks! Pictures tomorrow - promise!

Wife with a Cold

2010-09-18T10:26:00.002-04:00

Now as a woman and the person who makes sure everything runs smoothly around here - you can imagine how little time I have to be sick....but sick I am. Wow! Started Wednesday and has been followed by sleepless nights and days of longing for my bed. However, I have still managed to put away all the Pashmina that arrived - 100 glorious skeins - took pictures of it, loaded it on the website. All done! Store is all back to normal thanks to Deb who came by on Tuesday before I got sick.

Today I have a few more photos to take - Silky DK by Viola, some new self striping from Dye Hard. Then I might just sit and knit....sound good?

Husband with a headache

2010-09-15T17:17:00.002-04:00

I called my husband at around 11am this morning and he was complaining of a splitting headache - he said he woke up with it. It had been 6 hours and he hadn't taken anything yet! Now I take tylenol at the first signs of a headache - no martyrdom for me! I told him - take something don't wait. He said ok - I called him again at around 3pm to see how he was doing - aren't I a caring wife? - still had a headache, still hadn't taken anything. I said you must take something before you come home - stop - get a coffee - buy tylenol and take it. My thinking was then the headache might be gone by the time he got home, sparing me the complaining and whining of a man with the worst headache known to mankind.

He came home, did not stop for tylenol or a coffee so you know what my evening is going to be like - good thing it's Knit Night - hopefully there will be tons of people so I don't have to see him until bed time. Maybe by then it will be gone.....

Is there any point?

2010-09-02T13:10:00.008-04:00

In saying I'm a bad blogger - certainly, you've all figured that out by now considering I blogged one whole time in August!

I have been knitting - this is Maia the second in the 7 Small Shawls series by Rosemary (Romi) Hill. It was fun with a unique beginning! Edit: Just as I was going to Ravelry to get the link, there was a message from Romi letting me know that I could sell these patterns in a kit for Kitchener! Yay - this took one skein of Tosh Merino Light - I think I will include 2 skeins in the kit because I didn't do any repeats of the optional last pattern chart.

Here's the Six Pack Scarf out of Kidsilk Haze - kits of this will be available at the Knitter's Fair! Speaking of Knitter's Fair, Blogger has a new feature where I can create a new page - so there's a tab that will give all the details about this one day event!

I've been busy all week packing up kits, deciding what to bring and trying to enjoy the last week of summer!

And I've been spending almost every night at the barn watching Emma ride her new pony for next year. This is Gidget and she is a gorgeous Welsh pony that I am madly in love with. She is the most adorable pony ever! They showed together this past weekend and came home with 4 ribbons! 4th, 6th, 2-8ths - totally unexpected considering it was Emma's first time showing her and only Gidget's third time in the show ring.

Fall Knit A Long

2010-08-10T10:32:00.004-04:00

I should be photographing yarn - there's lots of it that needs to be added to the website but I'm just so excited about the Knit A Long I've been working on that I had to post about it. I've gotten the ok from both the pattern designer and the yarn dyer to go ahead so here the details:

Pattern:
Woman's Energy
Wishing You Passion in Your Life
Designer: Sylvie Toupin of Fibre-Isle International

In the Spring of 2009, Sylvie was invited by Women's Work to contribute a piece to the upcoming charity auction in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The proceeds from the charity benefitted Family Violence but I think Sylvie has created a masterpiece that speaks volumes about what women are capable of, what we can withstand, and what we have to offer our families and those around us.

While this pattern is not for the faint of heart, I think even that is appropriate because there isn't a woman I know that is faint of heart. I have chosen Tanis Lace for the project. You can order the color of your choice by going to Tanis Fiber Arts. I will be placing the yarn order on September 1st, with a goal to begin the knit along on Wednesday, September 15th. The cost for the yarn and pattern will be $85.
Now you can, of course, knit this stunning creation in the original yarn that Sylvie used. Magique from Fibre-Isle which is a stunning bison/cashmere blend and feels just like air when knit. The color is natural as shown in the photograph. The cost for the project in this yarn is $400 including the pattern. So you can see why I chose an alternate yarn - I wanted the most participants possible but I can help but think about how gorgeous it would be in this yarn!

You will be able to order this Knit A Long at pickupsticks.ca later today! There will be a special category for it. Please add your yarn color choice in the comments section!

Oh one last thing- while this looks very, very complex - it's actually very straight forward. There are just 3 small charts for the body of the shawl and one chart for the trim.

Playing with the Camera

2010-07-31T11:13:00.002-04:00

I have been knitting and now I can take pictures to prove it - first up is Coquille from Knitty - it was fun and easy but produced dramatic results which I always think is fantastic. I used 3 balls of Jojoland Melody is M26.

Then we have Shaelyn just finished and blocking. I used 1 skein of Dye Hard Silky Cashmerino - I added a picot bind off because I had yarn left - I probably had enough yarn for another repeat but was too nervous to

try!

My current project is a Kidsilk Haze Scarf knit in 6 different colors and in the round. The longer this scarf gets, the more luxurious it feels - I can just imagine being all wrapped up in it on a freezing cold winter day!

Doesn't Emma look pleased to be helping me out - she'd rather be outside than anywhere else so this is torture for her.

Have a great long weekend!

Just a moment....

2010-07-30T19:18:00.004-04:00

it's not that I don't think about blogging - I do think about it alot and then somehow time slips away and I've written nothing. I must say that the lack of camera - nope she didn't find it yet and I've had no takers on her adoption - has cramped my style but I've rectified the problem - bought myself a new one and added $100/month to the daughter's rent to compensate me for the loss.....

Here's what I chose which does everything but spit I think! I'm by no means a photographer but it's nice to have the option of getting better. It's a Fuji Finepix HS 10 with a tilting LCD screen which I particularly love!

Yarn has been arriving - a big box of Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a big box of Dye Hard Fiber Arts Silky Cashmerino, some Viola Fancy Sock, 2 big boxes from Berroco filled with Blackstone Tweed and Blackstone Tweed Chunky, Waterloo Wools is on the way, Sweet Georgia is just about ready to ship and Mission Falls - all 36 colors in both 1824 Wool and 136 Superwash Merino. Oh and the fun part - they are also sending along a Mission Falls Trunk Show - doesn't that sound like a good reason for a party - like a little wine and cheese or something....I'll keep you posted!

The first installment of the Dream Club from Dream in Color has shipped and should be here next week sometime....it's flash dyed Smooshy sock yarn with a free hat pattern - the hat is super cute and the color is super gorgeous!

Tomorrow is the last day of the Summer Sale - don't forget about the extra 10% off until the close of business!

Much better!

2010-07-17T16:17:00.002-04:00

Website working - check!

Adminstrative Web working - check!

Great knitters stopped into the shop today and shopped to their heart's content - check!

Clare stopped in and knit with me for a few hours - check!

Email addresses transferred to bulk emailer - partially checked!

Camera found - uncheck!

26 year old daughter up for adoption - check!

A good day overall considering how dismal the start was!

I'm completely grumpy!

2010-07-17T10:40:00.002-04:00

What a week! Sometimes I had a website, sometimes I didn't - since yesterday afternoon I have no website, no adminstration section, not much of anything. The company that hosts my website has been having big DNS issues - not sure what that means but it must be something big - they fixed it, then it broke, they fixed it, then it broke - yesterday it broke big time and apparently, they've moved it to another DNS but that can take up to 24 hours to update - so still no website.

Then....if that weren't enough - my lovely older daughter, going to be 26 on Wednesday, mother of 2, should know better daughter has lost my camera. She called last night to see if I had it - no I don't have it - today I said there better be a camera in this shop by 3pm. I've got new yarn that needs pictures - and hopefully by then I may have a website to actually work on.

I'm having a big sale too - a big, big sale - and I can't seem to get the word out to everyone I want to. I've been trying since Tuesday to send a newsletter from my website - seems with all the mess, the techy guys say my emails are being labelled spam and so aren't going anywhere. Apparently, I need to move my mailing list over to a bulk emailer - fine with me - can I just get on my website to copy the addresses? Nope not today!

Urrrrr.....I should probably just go back to bed - might not be fit for humans today!

Nupps!

2010-06-26T11:03:00.005-04:00

Knit my first nupps last night! Kind of challenging but ok - it's a bit of a trick to purl 7 stitches together but I managed it. I picked out yarn to do Annis yesterday - I was diligently working away on Featherweight Cardigan in Viola Fancy Lace which is gorgeous but not very challenging and destined to be long - lace, stockinetted stitch, cardigan - doesn't translate into anything too quick.

Angela and I chose Nichole from Schaeffer yarn in a brilliant pink for Annis and so far I'm loving it. I love the whole construction of this shawl and see tons of possibilities for this. Susanna IC has designed Abrazzo also, and it's on my list of things to do. I think it's going to be in a Tanis Mulberry Silk One of a Kind I picked up at the Knitter's Frolic! You really should check out this whole Arabesque section in Twist Collective - everything is worthy of being cast on!

Have you heard about Yarns On Stage? Pick Up Sticks will be the only shop in Newmarket hosting this fun event on October 16/2010. Yarn shops around the world will be unveiling ten of the best Indie Dyers Limited Edition Colorways on this day! These are never seen and never to be seen again colors that have been produced by such companies as Prism, Twisted Sisters and more.......I can't wait - it's going to be such fun!

We are also participating in a new club from Dream in Color called Dream Club Yarns - each month for 10 months we will be receiving skeins of a new unique hand dyed colorway. Some months it will be a cashmere blend, some it will be Smooshy, some months it will be Groovy Chunky and on and on.... starts in August and ends in May 2011.

No smoking update - 6 mos on July 3rd.

Weight loss - 10lbs as of Wednesday, June 23

Today would have been my parents 45th Wedding Anniversary had my mom still been alive. I'm feeling a bit off because I can't help but think about what might have been. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

We will be closed July 1st to July 5th for Canada Day! And....re-open on July 6th with some surprises!!!!!!

Another FO

2010-06-17T11:33:00.003-04:00

In an effort to be more creative (like Susan!)I took my Cedar Leaf Shawlette outside into the gorgeous sunshine to photograph - I'm pretty sure photography is not my thing but here are the shots for your viewing pleasure.
I was in a big panic last night because I had about 10 leaves to go and 18 grams of yarn - I managed to finish with 2.7 grams left over. Here's the details: Pattern:Cedar Leaf Shawlette
Yarn: Tanis Purple Label in Lemongrass 1 skein
If I had adjusted my needle size down to a 4.0mm which I normally always do, because I'm such a loose knitter I would have had alot more yarn left over.
The lovely Emily from Viola dropped off my order this morning. Gorgeous, squishy skeins of alpaca/cashmere/silk. 1 skein (1300 yds) will make the Featherweight Cardigan in most sizes. A great deal for a luxurious sweater - $48!

I'm going to be casting on for it momentarily!

WWKIP

2010-06-13T14:39:00.005-04:00

We had an awesome WWKIP day, rain and all! We spent the day indoors, everyone knitting happily. We had good munchies, good company and good knitting - a great day was had by all!Here's photographic evidence:

Lynn B was here signing Think Outside the Sox - she had a winning design in the book. Dreamin' of Tulips page 6 if you have it!

Emma was Reserve Champion in her horse show - that's second place overall. We were all very excited again!

I'm knitting Cedar Leaf Shawlette with Tanis Purple Label in Lemongrass and thoroughly enjoying myself! Pictures soon!

The winners of the door prizes were as follows:

Knitting Bag from Isabella's Journey - Deb Y.

Project Bag from Hiya Hiya - Pam

Rug Hooking Kit - Clare L.

Dye Hard Fiber - Lynn B.

Tanis Mulberry Silk - Susan D.

Fiddlehead Mitten Kit - Jenn S.

The Knit Kit - Rachel

Thanks to all for coming out and sharing the day with us!

Catch Up

2010-06-10T10:41:00.004-04:00

So let's see what's new...

I passed my 5 month-iversary for not smoking on June 3 - yay me!

I joined Jenny Craig - I know not the most healthy, not the most anything except efficient for me at the moment. Still battling the odd smoking craving doesn't leave me much room for anything else sometimes so I decided reaching into the freezer was the best way to go for me especially since I hit a number of weight that I've never in my life seen on the scale and never, ever want to see again. Yesterday was my first weigh in and I lost 7 lbs. I also had a gastro intestinal virus right after I joined which laid me out for 3 days so that probably helped the first week's weight loss. I'm still dealing with some tummy issues and now have to eat only a bland diet for the next 7 days.

It's a yucky day here - I've got a weather headache which just makes me want to go back to bed but it's only me here so someone has to man the operation! ;)

Saturday we are celebrating World Wide Knit in Public Day here - door prizes, store specials, munchies - fun, fun, fun and good knitting company!

So...what to do with two skeins of Tosh Sock in Rhubarb?....First, knit Damson from one skein and a bit and then use the left overs for a cute beaded beret from Churchmouse designs...

<-----See

As for spinning - I finished 100 g and it all fit on one bobbin! I have another 100g of fiber in the same color and then plan to ply it and knit something fantastic!

Emma is in another horse show tomorrow - she's so excited and so are we!

Best wishes to Tanis and Chris of Tanis Fiber Arts on their marriage Saturday June 12 - may you have a lifetime of joy!

We have a champion......

2010-06-01T15:00:00.005-04:00

in our family! Emma was in her very first horse show this weekend in Palgrave. It is a Trillium show so it's quite a big deal. She was the most excited I've ever seen her and not nearly as nervous as she told us she'd be. She won a first, second, fifth, and another second. The points all added together made her Champion of the Crossrail division. Both Laura and I were so excited we were crying - brought back many memories of all the days we spent at shows when Laura was younger.
Do these girls look excited - it's 6:30 am and they've had little sleep but nothing could have kept them in bed this morning. Emma is the one is the helmet and Celine is her best friend - she came along as the groom!

First things first - time to get Scotty (Beaverwoods Butterscotch is his show name)all fancied up for the ring.

Now they're off to have a look at the course - two little girls looking quite professional I think!

Ta Dah! The Champion of Cross Rails Trillium at Palgrave. Lots of ribbons and a beautiful embroidered jacket bag! She even won some prize money!

Going somewhere?

2010-05-20T13:05:00.001-04:00

These have arrived at Pick Up Sticks - $760 for the cutest wheel ever! Folded down it meets airline carry on requirements.

*13 pounds

*open oriface allows spinning of any size yarn

*easy bobbin removal

*7 ratio speed spindle

*multiple bearings for smooth operation

Look - quick!

2010-05-18T10:23:00.003-04:00

Before it's gone! Tosh Sock arrived yesterday and opening the box literally took my breath away. I asked for all multis and had no idea they'd be so gorgeous!

Speechless - I'm absolutely speechless!

Knitter's Frolic 2010

2010-05-12T15:22:00.006-04:00

We had our usual good time this year at the Knitter's Frolic - nothing like being surrounded by knitters to make you feel good! We did very well with the yarn we brought and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth - it was wonderful to see old friends and meet new friends! Now it's time to rest up for Kitchener - should take me about that long to recover.
There's some new spinning wheels on their way to Pick Up Sticks. SpinOlution's Travelling Bee. The first picture shows it folded and the second picture shows it opened. It opens with 2 simple clicks and then off you go, spinning to your heart's content. They are so portable that they actually fit the criteria for airline carry on baggage.

Now why would I want to spin? Because you can make this.....an original yarn using Tanis Fiber Arts Superwash Merino in Lemongrass - I suspect it's close to fingering but haven't measured it yet.

Here's my next spinning project I found this fiber at the Frolic and just had to have it - look for these yarns to make an appearance at Pick Up Sticks in the future!

Come Frolic with Us!

2010-05-06T20:12:00.007-04:00

It's been a very busy week getting ready for the 13th Annual Knitter's Frolic put on by the DKC. We're all packed up and ready to go so I just thought I would share some of things you can find at the Pick Up Sticks booth #45 - just across the hall and to the right of the entrance!

Up first is Dye Hard Fiber Arts making their first public appearance at a yarny event!

Here's Fuschsia Bloom Shawl made from one skein of Serendipitous Sock - a merino/cashmere/nylon blend! Fuschia Bloom is a brand new design from Meghan Jackson!

And Dye Hard's famous Watermelon sock yarn - I ordered lots just for the Frolic - everyone need watermelon socks for the summer! We also have spinning fiber from Dye Hard as well.

Lynn B whipped up this one skein neck warmer out of our Fleece Artist Big Merino - pattern and yarn for $10! Yahoo!

From Sweet Georgia you'll find 3 different types of spinning fiber, superwash worsted, kits for the Cashsilk Fern and for the Pathways Shawl another new design from Meghan Jackson to die for! Just Enough Ruffles kits as well!

We have Honey Cowl kits from Madelinetosh knit with Tosh DK.

We also have Mara Shawl kits from Madelinetosh featuring Tosh Vintage.

Our show special is 5 skeins of Dream In Color Classy for $75 dyed up in the Knitosophy colorways! We are the only shop to have this base in these colors! So get yours for $15 per skein!

There's lots and lots more so visit us early to avoid being disappointed!

Ok so

2010-04-21T16:06:00.003-04:00

Madelinetosh Pashmina, Vintage and DK (1color shipped by mistake)have arrived all safe and sound. And I'm kinda nervous to put it online for fear of a crash - considering how the phones been ringing today so here's the colors that have arrived in each - and the amounts - call if you want some before I get around to putting it online. Also arrived is Sweet Georgia Silk Crush sock - new yarn, same awesome colors!

Vintage
Logwood 10
Milk 10
Twig 4
Black Currant 10
Rose 7
Fjord 10
Lepidoptra 6
Toast 10

DK
Turquoise 8

Pashmina
Alabaster 2
Lapis 2
Wood Violet 2
Oxblood 2
Ms. Taylor 2
Norway Spruce 2
Thicket 2
Warm Maize 2
Sugarplum 2

It's Knit Night so this is subject to change in a big way and before you ask - yes I've reordered Vintage and Tosh Sock will be here for the Frolic.

Anybody out there?

2010-04-19T10:29:00.002-04:00

Ok so there was a final March post and then nothing - well - let's see what happened - I was in Florida where typically I don't do alot of knitting so there's not much to show from that trip. I read book after book while I'm there - nothing like sitting in the sun with a good book. I'm currently working on Summit in Malabrigo Sock Caribeano for the Knitter's Frolic. And I'm working on the Kidsilk Haze scarf that I picked up in Florida - an easy knit in the round stocking stitch. Oh and there's been some spinning - the new wheels arrived and I love the Schacht Matchless - I've done a really nice single in Tanis Lemongrass roving. Laura Chau was here yesterday and will be back next Sunday for Spinning - it was awesome!

I've decided that Canada Customs may be secretly harboring knitters - my Madelinetosh order - 3 boxes - has been in customs in Mississauga since April 11 - it was released to the post office today so it definitely, definitely should be here this week. However, I'm worried that it may arrive all knitted up - I mean, seriously, what else could they have been doing with it for 7 flippin' days! Canada Post says Sweet Georgia is coming today but I can't be sure because they also said it was coming on Friday.

Still not smoking - 3.5 mos now - getting better but I'm getting bigger. Just spent the morning cutting up celery, cucumbers and washing lettuce - that ought to help!

Pictures soon I promise!

Final post for March!

2010-03-31T17:56:00.003-04:00

What's a trip away without some yarn shopping? I visited the cutest shop today in Sarasota called A Good Yarn. It was right up my alley because she carried a few Indie Dyers that I haven't ever seen in person before AND she had the most awesome Kidsilk Haze scarf on display so of course, I had to buy the yarn and get the pattern. Here's my purchases:
First some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in an exclusive shop colorway - A Good Beach - now who can resist an exclusive - not me! Then there's Three Irish Girls Glenhaven Cashmerino in Alchemy, some cute stitch markers called Walk on the Beach

Rowan Kidsilk Haze in 6 colors : 595/596/597/600/583/582 - cast on 90 stitches on a us 5, join in the round, knit each colorway for 5 inches. Repeat 2 times more.

Pagewood Farms Alyeska in Butterfly MCN (80-10-10)

I don`t know about anyone else in the car but I had a lovely day!

Safe and Sound!

2010-03-29T20:51:00.004-04:00

We arrived in Florida around noon on Saturday safe and sound. The drive was uneventful - thankfully! It's a bit chilly here today but that didn't stop the kids from swimming themselves silly. Here's Katy, Emma, Liam and Quinn enjoying the evening air and an evening swim. Both Liam and Quinn think my dad moved to Florida because he was the first one they saw. They keep saying they love Dumpy's new house - so cute.

And I've been knitting - not much but some....these balls of lovliness, Tanis Mulberry silk in Sweetheart and Royal Flush are being made into

this. Ulmus from Kristen Kapur.

Ta Dah! Haruni!

2010-03-24T11:57:00.003-04:00

Completed last night March 23 with one skein of Tanis Fiber Arts Mulberry Silk in Moss. A colorway that isn't going to be dyed in silk again because it didn't come out anything like the Moss colorway on plain merino. There was some left over so one skein is for sure enough - even for a variety of knitters.

I'm a bad blogger - there's been some stress lately - not my business to blog about but still stress for me. I was immersed in Haruni which really helped me get through some days. We're off the Florida tomorrow - and we'll be back April 12th. I frankly can't wait - not looking forward to the drive but I am looking forward to the sun. I will have the laptop in tow so hopefully can get my act in gear and blog more regularly. The shop will be open Wednesday 10-9, Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-4. Lisa's will be manning the desk in my absence. My son is home to dog sit, cat sit, house sit etc! Knitting is decided and packed - as usual I spent more time deciding on knitting then I did on clothes.
Still not smoking but the last 2 weeks have been tough, tough, tough. I just know I'd be really pissed off if I smoke now with almost 3 mos. under my belt. That one cigarette would not be worth it - I'll just keep that in mind!

I have not died.....

2010-03-11T20:42:00.004-05:00

however, I have contemplated killing myself over my knitting! That 16 days of knitting - gone, tinked, passed on the Meghan to do with as she sees fit. I started to run out of yarn, tried to shorten charts, made a big fat mess, got pissed off and decided I hated the whole thing. I still love, love, love the yarn but urrrrr!

Still not smoking - over 60 some days now! Yay me!

Tanis Mulberry Silk arrived - I actually drove across the street to grab it from the mail lady before she delivered it to my door. Couldn't wait for 5 more minutes. It's glorious - I love it! Can't wait to knit with it. I think I'm going to cast on Haruni with it on Sunday or maybe I'll use the

Silk n Seacell from Dye Hard Fiber Arts.

Decisions, decisions....

I did not

2010-03-02T11:14:00.005-05:00

finish! I got hung up on Chart 12 for over 3 hours and then realized that Chart 13 had 42 rows instead of the usual 28 or less. Then that hockey game - well who could knit while that was going on - anyway.....I'm still working away happily and am very proud to have completed as much as I did. It was a true challenge and that's what knitting olympics is all about.
Look what arrived yesterday! The Knit Kit! It's the second generation of them and this one includes a 2 ended crochet hook along with all the other fantastic gadgets! It's a must have for any knitter!

The Cricket Loom also arrived. Lisa and I set it up in about an hour and were weaving away before you knew it. I think this is a great intro to weaving without a huge investment and can already see that it's a wonderful use for stash yarn that may never again see the light of day! Just imagine the scarves you can whip up for Christmas!

And at long last, Pick Up Sticks is now carrying Addi Turbo needles and Addi Clicks. This new set of Addis is just too amazing to pass up!

Will I or Won't I?

2010-02-26T10:26:00.005-05:00

That's the big question that's consuming me these days! Will I or won't I finish my Nefertiti wrap by Sunday night's Closing Ceremonies. I am on Chart 9 of 18 which seems like it would be impossible to finish BUT from now on all the charts have less rows than I've been doing and after Chart 12 each decreases in stitch count substantially so....it's possible.....blocking not possible but casting off is possible.

Lots has of new stuff has arrived in the last few days - Soya Cotton DK from Sublime, Worsted Cotton, Worsted Multis and Skinny Cotton from Blue Sky Alpacas - Cricket Looms from Schacht, re stock of Baby Bamboo colors which still is a perfect substitution for Debbie Bliss Prima at less money! There's Addi Turbos and Addi Clicks on the way - yes, I know, finally! There's the new blue Knit Kits on the way not to mention the Lady Bugs and Matchless wheels! I love the change of seasons when I get to bring in lots of new stuff - it's looking distinctly springy around here these days which is a good thing considering all the snow!

And this bit of lovlieness is the new Mulberry Silk from Tanis Fiber Arts. Tanis dropped this in the mail to me so I'd have something to play with while she's dyeing up my order! I expect that I should get it sometime next week - fingers crossed!

Handspun update

2010-02-16T12:52:00.002-05:00

I finished plying my singles - one of them turned out really well and the other one just would not co-operate but I was tired and forcing myself to keep going. Here's the details: approx. 285 yds

of 12 WPI which puts it somewhere between a dk and worsted. I think I'm just going to make a garter stitch shawl with it. Emma has been after me for one to cuddle up in while she watches tv and using my own handspun will make a real keepsake for her, I think.

I finished 198 Yards of Heaven - finally! - out of 185 yards of Merino Silk Aran by Sweet Georgia in Wetcoast Winter. This colorway is all loaded up online now - it's a Special Edition that celebrates the 2010 Olympics! I was able to do the whole pattern except for the last 2 rows and you can't tell at all.

My Olympic knitting is underway and behind schedule. I cast on Friday night but then spent Saturday completing 198 Yards. This is Nefertiti Wrap in Sweet Georgia Cashsilk. Lace knitting is not my favorite so this is a stretch for me. The feel of this yarn going through my fingers makes it all worthwhile. If you don't have any - you should get yourself some. There some new Wetcoast Winter in Cashsilk as well.

Ah Crap!

2010-02-11T10:45:00.003-05:00

Pardon the title but that's how I feel about my knitting today - I was progressing ever so swiftly on 198 Yards of Heaven in Sweet Georgia Wetcoast Winter Merino/Silk Aran until I got to the final sixteen rows and realized I did not have enough stitches. Susan was at Knit Night last night with 2 gorgeous "COMPLETED" shawls of the same pattern and it seems I misread the instructions for the chart and missed several (well, ok about 50 yarn overs and ssk's). Now you'd think that missing something so significant would have made for some kind of messy lopsided shawl - but seriously, it didn't look like there was anything wrong with it - until you matched it up to Susan's - then is was alot smaller and missing all the increases on both sides of the center. Now the ball of lovlieness is sitting nicely on the ballwinder daring me to try again!

Spinning is going well - Deb was very impressed last night with my singles made from her roving. I just have a bit more to spin today - let it rest and then tomorrow I should be able to ply. I have to get this done tomorrow because certainly, I do not have enough to do....Sarah convinced me to join the Yarn Harlots Knitting Olympics which means starting tomorrow night with the lighting of the Olympic flame, I have 800 yards of lace to knit into the Nefertiti wrap. Lovely wrap! Lovely yarn! I think I should go talk to someone......

Lots is scheduled to arrive at Pick Up Sticks any day now.....

from Schacht spindle - Cricket looms, Lady Bug Spinning Wheels, Matchless Spinning Wheels

from Blue Sky Alpaca - restock of Spud and Chloe including new colors, Skinny Cotton, Multi Worsted Cotton

from Tanis - her new merino/silk yarn

from Madeleinetosh - worsted, sock and pashmina

from Sweet Georgia - new 100g skeins of superwash worsted, more Cashsilk Lace, a new yet to be named 50/50 merino silk and roving - lots of roving

and that's just for starters!

So much for.....

2010-02-05T14:40:00.003-05:00

keeping up blogging every couple of days! I've been sick all this week - stuffy nose now congested chest - probably due to 34 days of no smoking! Yay!

Last weekend I sat in on the Moebius class that Meg taught and this week have been madly knitting away on it. I love it! It hasn't been blocked in the photo but it sure is cute on. It took 6 skeins of Sweet Georgia Superwash Worsted in Tourmaline. It is a deep rich tourquoise with hints of green throughout - much more gorgeous than the photo shows. Perfect with my grey hair - did I tell you I`ve stopped coloring my hair. It took about 4 haircuts and now it`s all grey. I like it and other people have said they like it too - I`m kind of lucky in the grey department because it`s quite white. My grandmother had beautiful white hair and it seems along with the premature grey gene, I`ve also inherited the color.

I`m still spinning too - this last yarn is my best yet. The roving is Dye Hard Fiber Arts and I`m pretty sure if I keep up the thickness I`ve got happening, this might be the sock yarn I`ve been trying to make. I belong to the Sweet Georgia Fiber Club and have been gathering up all this fantastic fiber that I don`t dare touch until I feel as if I know what I`m doing.

Speaking of Sweet Georgia - this all arrived today. Her Special Edition colorway: Wetcoast Winter. I`ve got it in Superwash Sock, Tough Love Sock, Cashsilk Lace, Merino Silk and Superwash Worsted. I`m pretty sure I`m going to have to cast this on right away.

Be sure and mark Saturday, May 8th on your calendars. It`s the annual Knitter`s Frolic at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Center in Toronto and Dye Hard Fiber Arts will be debuting their yarn in our booth. Deb dropped off some wonderful Watermelon sock yarn for me on Wednesday - can`t wait to knit it up too!

One Last January Post

2010-01-31T15:04:00.005-05:00

This post will bring my total for January to 10 - that is about one post every 3 days so I'm kind of on target for my resolution. I'm going to try for 14 in February - and if I keep spinning that shouldn't be a problem showing you all my hand spun yarn. Technically, it's probably horrible but I love it! I love every little bit of it. The roving was from Tanis Fiber Arts 200g superwash merino in Stormy . In the picture of the three skeins, I think the one on the left is my best so far. I was spinning some really nice singles for that one. I keep trying to spin thinner and thinner because I really want to make socks but I've already decided that this yarn is going to be this. I have 200g of 2 ply - not sure about what weight I've managed to make but I'll make it work for that pattern somehow! :)

Jennie came by on Saturday for the Moebius class and showed off her Little Colonnade made out of Tanis Multi in Glacier. She thinks the yarn is fun too!

29 days no smoking - just in case you wanted an update!

Why in the world....

2010-01-27T14:10:00.004-05:00

wouldn't everyone want to spin? I plied my singles today and got some pretty good looking yarn. I'm not sure how much because of course, today the scale decides that it's not going to work but it's pretty and I'm proud!

As soon as I got this done, I was digging in my stash from my Tanis Fiber Arts superwash merino in Stormy. I really, really want to make a pair of socks from my hand spun so I'm going to really concentrate on getting it thinner this time. Oh and I'm calling Schacht today to get some wheels in here for sale. Lady Bugs and Matchless will be here soon!

Mom! You made yarn!

2010-01-26T18:49:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Emma came home from school and saw the bobbin on the wheel and said, Mom! You made yarn - pretty good yarn. Today she came home and saw the bobbin on the desk and said, Mom! This is even better than yesterday's!

50g of BFL from Fleece Artist - onto the second bobbin and then I am going to ply my first yarn ever! Make my first yarn ever! Yay me!

24 days no smoking today and 3 more blog posts so far in January 10 vs. January 09.

A Day Off

2010-01-25T13:57:00.003-05:00

Today is a day off for me - I was piddling around in the store today and my spinning wheel caught my eye, so I marched right over the shelves, grabbed some Fleece Artist Roving and look what I spun. It went so smoothly - I was very impressed with myself.

I also finished another shawl - Mara - I made it out of 2 skeins of Dream in Color Classy - color Butterfly. I used 100 grams for the body of the shawl and finished the ruffle with the other 100 grams - I've got a scale so I knew when I'd reached the half way point. I also alternated skeins because the two skeins did look significantly different once they were wound up but you can't even tell I carried yarn up the side. Ok so that's it for now - it is a day off after all!

Day 20

2010-01-22T10:52:00.006-05:00

Before I get to the knitting - I have been meaning to show you this pictures of one of our horses. The kids were making a snow fort and Liam borrowed one of our umbrellas for shelter and must have left it within reach of the biggest brat we have.

My current project is Gaenor. Yarn is Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock in Mist. It's a simple scarf with a pretty lace border. Just enough to keep you interested. Gaenor has a sister too - Argante - a bit more complicated but just as pretty. Both patterns are Help for Haiti which means the designer has pledged a portion of the price to Haiti relief efforts - you really do need both patterns :)

Here's Little Colonnade all done and blocking. The new sock yarn from Tanis was like knitting with a box of Smarties - so much fun! This pattern is also Help for Haiti so while you're at it, you might as well get it too!

Almost 3 weeks now of no smoking and it is getting better - well, at least today! My husband bought me a surprise to celebrate - since we've saved over $200 with me not smoking (isn't that just ridiculous!!??? so much money just up in smoke!!!!) A Sony Reader - I wasn't sure if I'd really like it since I love books so much but I do - it's awesome. I'm already loading it up with all the books I want to take to Florida - it will mean one less bag because I usually bring a bag of books.

Day 16

2010-01-18T09:48:00.003-05:00

Yup 16 days no smoking! Yay me! I wish I could say it's getting easier - it seemed like it last week but not so much for the last few days. Saturday night I just burst out crying for no reason! All things that can happen as you de-tox but wow! Enough already!
Little Colonade is progressing nicely and the yarn certainly does not disappoint. The links for the pattern and the colorway are in the previous post. I've done one repeat of the lace edging so far - I have 3 to go and then a couple of more rows. This will be my first shawl of 10 in 2010. Next up will be a worsted weight shawl out of one of the Knitosophy colors on Classy that arrived on Friday - have you seen them....gorgeous!

Day Thirteen

2010-01-15T11:47:00.006-05:00

Ok so the blogging has not been going that well but the quitting smoking has been going exceptionally well. Thirteen whole days today and I can say that yesterday was actually the best day I've had yet in terms of withdrawal etc. For a few days I was very anxious and short but that passed so hopefully things will continue. Lots has been happening on the knitting front. All the Tanis Fiber Arts Multi Sock Yarn arrived and the Dream in Color Classy in the Knitosophy colors - I'm the only shop in the whole wide world who asked for Classy in the new colors. How about that?

Here's my second Just Enough Ruffles - out of Sweet Georgia Merino Silk Aran. I got some good stretch lengthwise out of this when blocking - must be the silk. I just love it!

Finished one sock for Emma out of Dye Hard Self Striping. It's merino/cashmere/nylon and feels amazing. I love self striping yarn - the second sock goes so quickly because I just count stripes not rows! The second one is cast on and should be done today.

Linda dropped off some store samples - Cashsilk Fern in Sweet Georgia Cashsilk. Lisa and I took turns wearing it yesterday. The only thing I would change about this scarf is making it longer so I can feel more cashmere around my neck.

And finally Citron from Knitty - again another Sweet Georgia Yarn - superwash worsted. Yum!Yum!

And finally.....the beginning of Little Colonnade out of Tanis Multi in Prism. Just because I was dying to see what the yarn would do - it's so fun!

Day Three

2010-01-05T15:58:00.004-05:00

No smoking for three days....how do I feel? A bit foggy today, tired but overall better than yesterday. Yesterday I would have said that I would have been smoking today - but so far, no smokes! I know if I smoke I will be extremely disappointed in myself and I also know that I don't even know how much better I'm feeling yet. The only way to find that out is to smoke - that one cigarette will remind how yucky I felt as a smoker so I can't - simple as that!

My knitting plan went out the window - I'm only knitting what pleases me at the moment. I cast on Just Enough Ruffles again - in Merino Silk Aran from Sweet Georgia. That's good stuff!

Next up might be some Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock - Tanis Multis should be here next week!

First FO's for 2010

2010-01-03T14:00:00.004-05:00

How about that - finished projects already??

Dipped Infinity Scarf Kit from Tanis - blue. I love the way this turned out. It's my favorite colorway so far......very similiar to the original that Laura Chau did. The socks are Through the Loops Mystery Socks - I really enjoyed doing these even though I didn't keep up with everyone - I used Schaeffer Nichole and I can highly recommend both the yarn and the pattern. I going to finish the next sock today - just a bit of foot and toe to do. When I was working on it clue by clue I would work both socks so now I don't have much to do to finish. Then I must finish my February Lady Sweater in We Wear Red - I know, I know a bad knit along-er. Then it's Ulmus Rectangle in my bag to finish and then I can do something new. However, I cannot guarantee that things will go according to plan - this not smoking thing is extremely unpleasant at the moment so I might just knit something new just to placate myself.

This is Dipped Infinity in Green - also a really nice choice of colors from Tanis. Knit by Linda - our very talented Knitter!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T11:49:00.003-05:00

It's an amazing morning out this morning - gentle snow fell all night leaving a crisp clean landscape this morning. I'd take a picture but Laura borrowed my camera on Christmas Eve and has yet to return it.

Resolutions....well, I've got some - just like everyone I guess.............
I resolve to:
Blog at least 3 times per week - I noticed that I'm not a very good blogger and actually haven't been for the last year so I need to so something about that.

Walk on my treadmill at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes - I weighed myself this morning - urrrr - something has to be done about that number!

And last....I'm quitting smoking! Not today but in a couple of days from now - my mother died at 62 from heart disease and give all the genetics I have to get serious about my own health - I'm one year away from my 50th birthday and I vow to turn 50 a healthier person.

Wish me luck!

Ahhhhh.....

2009-12-27T15:55:00.003-05:00

I always feel a huge sense of relief when Christmas is over - presents are opened, all the food has been consumed and I have a couple of days to relax. Now I'm knitting what I want, not what I need to - so it's Dipped Infinity in blue for me and a cute hoodie for Quinn out of Laine Magnifiques - I picked up this yarn in Kitchener and it's really nice to work with - might need some more investigation. The Boxing Day sale will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday. Still everything at 30% off - in store purchases only! Don't worry onliners - there's a sale coming up for you just as soon as we verify our inventory counts!

Almost sidelined.....

2009-12-23T07:19:00.002-05:00

Sunday night I was knitting like a mad woman on my FIL scarf -finished last night by the way - and when I went to get up I felt all funny - my equilibrium was way off. I went to bed and as soon as I laid down I got dizzy - I mean really dizzy - couldn't open my eyes for the room spinning dizzy. I couldn't move for the dizziness - of course, I was envisioning all sorts of wonderful illnesses - stroke, heart problems, the middle ear disease. Even Greg hardly slept for thinking he would have to take me to the hospital. When I got up in the morning I wasn't as dizzy so I decided I would go visit my chiropractor (or quack as we lovingly call her)just in case it was my neck - I was describing my symptoms to her and she said it's actually quite common and happens almost exclusively to women - apparently, there is a nerve running up your neck into your brain stem which controls your inner ear and that caused the problem - it was being hunched over my knitting for hours at a time along with the regular Christmas stress that tightened up my already tight neck and sent wacky signals to my inner ear. After some massage and a few adjustments I was as good as new - yesterday I finished the scarf and now I might just take a knitting holiday. Hat for my BIL got scratched off the list - it's a Princess Auto gift card for him instead....but....now I can knit what I want.......I've got the blue dipped infinity scarf kit all ready to cast on......I really want a Just Enough Ruffles for me out of Sweet Georgia Merino Silk Aran.....or maybe I could finish my rug.........there's gifts still to wrap.....a bit more shopping to do.....right! stress, who's got stress?

By the way - our first ever and first annual Boxing Day Sale is Saturday December 26 (in store only) 30% off everything knitting, 10% off rug hooking supplies. Be there or be square! :)

And it keeps on coming.....

2009-12-19T10:18:00.003-05:00

Just Enough Ruffles in Sweet Georgia Riptide - Finis! The super wash worsted was fantastic to work with - this took just 3 50g skeins (261yds on a 4.5mm) - is this Pistachio colorway not the perfect color for the new Citron that came out in Knitty. The pattern calls for lace weight but I think it would be spectacular in worsted!

Irish Hiking Scarf in Donegal Tweed is cast on for my FIL - but I have to tear it out because I'm not happy with my gauge.

Oh by the way - Just Enough Ruffles is now my favorite new scarf - I think it's amazing looking and I plan to knit lots more of them because they are going to be my new accessory!

Surprised?

2009-12-15T13:07:00.002-05:00

Bet you all were thinking - oh she's blogged for a few days now - no way she can keep it up. Well, I'm here again with the finished Ballard Cowl as promised. Now I'm on to Just Enough Ruffles in Sweet Georgia Riptide for my aunt - needs to be finished by Saturday to be gifted on Sunday.

Want the Ballard Cowl pattern? Leave me a comment - don't forget your email. Tata for now!

Knitting Machine....

2009-12-14T12:21:00.005-05:00

that's what I am! Yes I am a knitting machine! The knitting gift fever hit me on Saturday with a shop full of people and I've been cranking out the gifts ever since. I must admit I was getting a bit worried about myself because I was struggling to choose what to knit, struggling with who to knit for but I've got it happening now.

Teacher #1 done - fingerless gloves from Canadian Living, Birthday Cowl from Ravelry

Teacher #2 hat done, casting on cowl today. By Sweet Georgia Ballard Slouch Hat made from one gorgeous skein of Sweet Georgia Merino Silk Blackberry. This stitch pattern was so easy to memorize that it's what I'm going to use for the cowl.

That's 4 gifts that will be done by tonight - that just leaves 3 more. I've decided on Just Enough Ruffles for my aunt in Sweet Georgia Merino Silk, a scarf for my FIL and hat for BIL. I've got it sooooo together I might just add more gifts in....now I know the secret to Christmas knitting is to wait until the last 2 weeks...............and then the spirit will move you!

Winners!

2009-12-12T18:23:00.002-05:00

We've drawn the winners from today's Open House - I will be calling everyone tomorrow but just in case you're lurking around to see if I post here's the list:

Woolpets Needle Felting Kit - Jillian O
Sock Kit - Nancy F
Sock Blockers - Elizabeth A
Thrum Mitten Kit - Gillian G
Tanis Fiber Arts Spinning Fiber - Lynn Bee
Tanis Fiber Arts Dipped Infinity Kit - Roselle P

Yay to everyone!

Another blog post -

2009-12-10T11:41:00.002-05:00

Here's another gift - fingerless mitts for one of Emma's teachers. Ideally, I would love to design a cowl to go with them but unless I get my knitting butt in gear there's not much chance of that! They are the ones from Canadian Living designed by Glenna C. There's actually a bunch of free pattern on the Canadian Living site that are worth a look!

Here's the door prizes for Saturday's open house - is that a Tanis Dipped Infinity Scarf Kit up for grabs? .....yessiree Bob!

All you have to do is show up to fill in a ballot for a chance to win! Kind of like the lottery, you can't win millions if you don't have a ticket!

It's Winter

2009-12-09T12:51:00.004-05:00

Well, winter roared in last night in a mess of heavy snow, wind and freezing rain. Things are pretty quiet around here today and I'm sure they'll probably stay that way! I'm trying to upload pictures of my MIL's Montreal Canadiens Socks - they came out beautifully but after two tries no luck. Aha! The picture loaded after try #4!

School buses in York Region were not cancelled - so what else is new? What has to happen before they decide driver and student safety is more important than anything. There was a bus accident this morning in Newmarket - six high schoolers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, thankfully. I didn't send Emma because there was just no way she was going on a bus in this weather.

We're having a Holiday Open House this Saturday, December 12th - 10-40% off a variety of yarns and lots of door prizes to be won. Hot cider and yummy treats are being served as well! I suppose that means I should decorate the shop - for those that know me, I'm not a decorating kind of person - every year I do it against my will. Lisa's in tomorrow - maybe that will be her job! Well, I'm off to watch Julie and Julia on tv with Emma and do some serious Christmas knitting! 2 gifts down!

You know what - I just noticed - I use ! alot!

Christmas Knitting Update

2009-12-04T10:42:00.003-05:00

Here's my mother in law's socks - didn't Deb from Dye Hard Fibre Arts do an amazing job? She's going to be thrilled because she loves these colors.

I also finished Multnomah - a free Ravelry pattern in Dream in Color Knitosophy Super Hero.

I've decided to do the Irish Hiking Scarf by Hello Yarn in Donegal Tweed homespun. He's born and raised in Ireland so this is a good gift for him.

Sweet Georgia arrived last night and is looking truly lovely in here today! And I found the rug hooking stuff - it's in Bradford!!??!! Greg is coming home early to get it for me! Isn't he a good boy?

Tomorrow is the big Christmas party here - 33 people - 11 of which are children under 10 - just kill me now!

Pins and Needles

2009-12-01T12:21:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here on pins and needles waiting for mail and for UPS - mail because Tanis Infinity Kits are coming and Tempo Tape highlighting tape and all my rug hooking stuff - UPS because they have 2 big boxes of Sweet Georgia which I can't stand waiting for. I'm also planning our Christmas Open House which will be Saturday December 12......I'm on the last repeat of Multnomah which I hope to get blocked today and pictures tomorrow. So at the moment....I'm waiting for things to happen which really rubs me the wrong way because I am the least patient person I know.

Christmas Knitting
Sister in law - mitts - check
Brother in law - hat
Mother in law - striped socks in Montreal Canadians color
Husband - hat
Father in law - Donegal Tweed Scarf - he's from Ireland.
Aunt - something- maybe the Sweet Georgia scarf in Cashsilk
Dad - new hat because I hate the one I made last year
I'd really also love to make neck warmers for all the girls but that would be 7 more things and at the rate I am procrastinating on what I have to do, there's not much chance of that.

Tomorrow is a haircut - did I mention I'm not coloring my hair anymore? I've been going gray since I was 29 and seem to have developed an allergy to hair color. I've tried all different kinds with all different hair dressers and nothing seems to work without me getting itchy like I have lice. Charlotte, my hairdresser now, was putting big chunky highlights and lowlights over the gray to cover it. It worked fine but it takes forever so the last time I went I decided to not color it anymore. This next haircut will reveal even more gray so we'll have to see. The gray is pure white which is nice - my grandmother had beautiful gray hair so maybe it will be like that. I did hear, though, just as I made this decision that men are considered distinguished as they gray but women who don't color their hair are thought to not take care of themselves. Hmmmph!

My Take on Fiddleheads

2009-11-30T11:36:00.006-05:00

I love the Fiddlehead Mitten Kits from Tanis Fiber Arts! Here's my most recent take on them. Main color is Shadow, contrast is Stormy and for a bit of excitement - Deep Sea for the lining. That's one Christmas gift down and I have no idea how many more to go!

Debbie from Dye Hard Fiber Arts just delivered some amazing superwash merino roving and some gorgeous self striping sock yarn in merino/cashmere/nylon. Yummy!

Debbie attended a Knit Night one evening and was quietly knitting away on a beautiful pair of socks - the yarn was beautiful, the stripes were perfect - when I asked what yarn it was - she said hers and I said I'll take some. This first yarn base is called Serendipitous Sock - because it was a very serendipitous evening for both of us! I might just sleep with a bundle of her fiber - it's so soft and squishy! Makes me want to spin and not do anything else - well, unless it involved knitting with the self striping yarn!

This is just one part of a very big pre Christmas update this week - Sweet Georgia is scheduled to arrive tomorrow - 2 big boxes - 4 kinds of yarn! Tanis is rushing me the Dipped Infinity Scarf Kits which are a collaboration between herself and Laura Chau of Cosmicpluto Knits! And at long last the first of the rug hooking kits is arriving!

Bloggity, blog, blog, blog

2009-11-23T11:02:00.002-05:00

It's not that I don't have anything to blog about - it's just taking the time to organize my thoughts and get the photos I need. Let's see....first up is my Fiddlehead mitten in just 2 colors of Tanis - Shadow for the background and Stormy for the contrast - Deep Sea will be the lining. It was while snooping on Ravelry that I got this idea after seeing lots of these mitts in more sedate combos. I'm not sure exactly how much it's going to take - but it looks like 3 skeins - I'll keep you posted on that.

This is the jacket on the cover of Fall Interweave 2009. Linda knit it in Donegal Tweed and I am absolutely in love with it. The yarn is amazingly soft considering how it feels in the skein. It fits me perfectly and I'm sure it will see tons of wear considering the weather we are having.....speaking of which I'm kinda missing the snow, aren't you?

There's lots of the way - a brand new kit from Tanis Fiber Arts, more Fiddlehead Mitten kits, a brand new yarn from Tanis, some mink/cashmere yarn, Sweet Georgia yarns, Pigeon Roof Studios Fibre - it's shaping up to a wonderful season - yarn wise that is! Oh one more thing - rug hooking kits are leaving Nova Scotia today so I should have them by the end of the week.

Pick Up Sticks and Knit!

So what's up with Connie?

Current Inventory

Current Inventory

The Deals for Out with the Old.....

It all starts today....and tomorrow!

Dumpity Dump Dump Dump

Test test test

Pick Up Sticks Easy Breezy Summer Knitalong!

Who knew?

Hope to See You at the Frolic!

Hours for April

Catch Up

And the winner is.....

Sock Report

April Event

Late to the Party....

What to do...What to do.....

Another FO

Uh....no

Surprise

Pictures as Promised!

All together now....

Fun Stuff and a Contest

Colorwork

By Special Request

Guess What's On the Way to....

Giddy Up Gidget!

It's Over with Jared

Take A Deep Breath

A Really Yucky Day

Not Better But Equal

This post brought to by the pony.....

Knitting Complete

Busy Knittin'

Goals

New FO

Some Reporting to do....

Recipe Requests

Cigarette Anyone?

To The Royal We Will Go

Now I'm All Messed Up

Drop Your Needles

For Sale

Details finalized.....

Door Prize Winners

When It Rains, It Pours

Ahhhhhhhh!

It's October Already

As promised.....

Husband With A Black Eye

Wife with a Cold

Husband with a headache

Is there any point?

Fall Knit A Long

Playing with the Camera

Just a moment....

Much better!

I'm completely grumpy!

Nupps!

Another FO

WWKIP

Catch Up

We have a champion......

More posts this May than last May!

Going somewhere?

Look - quick!

Knitter's Frolic 2010

Come Frolic with Us!

Ok so

Anybody out there?

Final post for March!

Safe and Sound!

Ta Dah! Haruni!

I have not died.....

I did not

Will I or Won't I?

Handspun update

Ah Crap!

So much for.....